Beyond the strand: How doing my own hair taught me a valuable lesson.

Happy New Year. How are we already in 2026, when 2021 was just yesterday? Nonetheless, I hope the year is off to a great start for all of you. But before we get into all the 2026 things, let me take you back to the summer of 2023, the day I decided that things must change.

This is how it all began.... I had scheduled a braiding a appointment to get box braids. I was ready. I made sure to send my reference picture to the braider days beforehand and she confidently reassured me that she would be able to do the braids. I was ecstatic! So ecstatic and naïve that I didn’t even ask her how much she was charging me. For context, I am from Rwanda, and back home, braiding services/salon services are so readily available at an affordable price that some people even change their hairstyles weekly. I would soon come to learn that this was not the same in the US. Let's just say that not only was my hair in for a rude awakening, but so was my bank account.

So I got to the lovely woman’s house with a book in hand ready to sit for hours and endure the aching from sitting too long, but it was all worth it because I was about to ROCK these braids. I had the vision and everything. These were about to be THEE summer 2023 braids. Long story short, I didn’t like the braids, and when I finally asked what the price was, I was stunned to hear that it was $220, whereas the most I would have paid back home was $50 most likely less. All I could think about afterward was, "I just spent $220 on braids I am not happy with." The braids on my head did not resemble the reference picture I had shown her. My friends tried to encourage me and say it didn’t look “that bad” but that didn’t comfort me. It is on that day that I vowed to take matters into my own hands and learn how to do my own hair because at least if I hated how I did it, there would be no one to blame but myself, oh and of course save hundreds of dollars.

In October 2023 I embarked on this journey. I started doing my own hair and now almost 3 years later I can confidently say that I’ve never looked back. This decision required effort, dedication, and mostly time, and since I wanted it to look good, I was very meticulous with how I did it. Slowly but surely, the lines in my hair looked crisper, braids looked fresher and people even started to inquire where I got my hair done. I took it as such a great compliment because it meant that they appreciated how it looked, and they were eager to know who did it so that they could have their hair done too. In those moments I respond with great joy and mention that I do my own hair. I don't say it out of pride but rather as a way to inspire others to give it a try, take matters into their own hands (literally) and discover where it might lead them!

I am still learning, I aim to get faster in braiding because it still takes time and I also hope to learn how to do nice and neat cornrows. That’s my next “hair challenge".

If there is something you want to start, just start. I encourage you to challenge yourself, do something new or even just stay consistent in the things you are already doing . It might not look nice at first, but a little effort each time is better than no effort (and that goes for everything in life). Happy 2026 !

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Colossians 3:23

Here are some photos of some of the hairstyles I've done. I hope you are inspired. Leave a comment. What's something you would like to try or what new challenges can you take on?

I hope this added some sunshine to your day...

With love,

Kami